Tocardo has signed up to demonstrate a 20 year pre-commercial array at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney. The contract was signed at the International Conference for Ocean Energy (ICOE) being held in Edinburgh this week.

Tocardo plans to install eight T2 turbines across two Tocardo systems at EMEC’s grid-connected tidal test site at the Fall of Warness, off Eday, Orkney. Installation is scheduled to begin in 2017.

Tocardo’s T2 turbines have already been deployed and proven in the Netherlands at the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier (Deltaworks).

The planned array at EMEC is the next step in Tocardo’s path towards commercialising their tidal turbine by proving and validating the technology in the volatile offshore environment in Orkney for an extended time period.

Hans van Breugel, Tocardo’s CEO said:

“The EMEC project is a breakthrough for Tocardo’s careful roll out of our technology moving from near inshore towards offshore. With multiple turbines operational in low, moderate and extreme high tidal flows we now feel comfortable to go offshore. The EMEC opportunity will boost the implementation of Tocardo’s commercial roll out. Tocardo is pleased to be back in Scotland and looking forward for a long and lasting partnership with EMEC.”

Neil Kermode, EMEC’s Managing Director said:

“It’s fantastic to see Tocardo entering the Scottish market. The tidal array they will deploy at EMEC will act as a stepping stone towards commercial deployments, and we’re delighted to be working with Tocardo towards that future.”